Community Health Workers
educate and assist the people in their community, personally connecting them with
important resources for their health, and building a healthier future for those around them.
What Is a Community Health Worker?
A CHW is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of the community served, and who understands its people and needs. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a bridge between community members and health and social services.
- Community Health Workers bridge the gap between healthcare providers and those in the community in need of care.
- They inform and educate citizens in their community who suffer from chronic diseases, early childhood diseases, and other special health problems.
- They make home visits, help patients navigate complex health information systems, advise and help connect patients to care they need.
Community Health Workers are an essential link between health and care providers and people, and ultimately help reduce health disparities in Mississippi.
The Office of Community Health Workers
The MSDH Office of Community Health Workers seeks to establish a high-performing, well-integrated workforce of community health workers (CHWs) working in public health, health care and community-based systems in order to bring whole-person care to all Mississippians. The OCHW offers a certificate of completion for CHW core competency training as well as professional development, networking opportunities, resources and publications to ensure the success of CHWs and the organizations entrusted to serve Mississippians throughout our state.
CHW Training
Core Competency Course
The Office of Community Health Workers is a recognized training institute with Master Trainers. We offer a free 160-hour Core Competency Course over 6 to 8 weeks that comprises 80 hours of classroom work and 80 hours of an approved practicum.
Participants receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.
CHW Registry
The Office of Community Health Workers maintains a statewide registry for CHWs who have completed core competency training. Registration offers CHWs and their associated organizations an avenue for education, networking and professional development.
There are no dues or fees required, and CHWs do not need to be currently employed in a CHW role.
Upcoming Event: CHW Summit
Don't miss this essential gathering for CHWs statewide in Biloxi on June 12.
Latest OCHW Newsletter
See what community health workers and our OCHW have been up to!
Office of Community Health Workers
Office of Preventive Health and Health Equity
Mississippi State Department of Health
7015 Pear Orchard Rd, Plaza 1, Suite 100
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Robert.Lee@msdh.ms.gov